On the Todd Frazier signing and what's next for the Mets

I like this signing a lot. Frazier has major holes in his game, no doubt. He's going to hit under .230 and he's going to strike out. However, he's also going to play a solid third base, he's going to hit home runs, he's going to get on base, and -- maybe most important -- his history suggests he'll be able to play more than 140 games.

Also, in seeing his attitude and his constant top-step enthusiasm with the Yankees this past October -- regardless of the score -- it's clear he will solve more problems at Citi Field than he will create, especially given the age of Sandy Alderson's roster...

For instance, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, while Frazier helped the Yankees on field, he also provided their young team with a much-needed sense of passion, confidence, baseball IQ, and fearlessness.

In spring training a few years ago, I found myself in a conversation with legendary managers Joe Torre and Jim Leyland. They both said to be in the best position to succeed on field in New York (given everything that is required before and after each game), the manager must delegate and be surrounded by coaches and players he can trust to check in on teammates, report back, create dialogue, and help keep guys focused on specific information and goals.

The Mets clearly lacked this type of leadership last summer after trading Neil Walker, Jay Bruce, and Curtis Granderson. I've talked to lots of people (be it players, reporters, team employees, coaches, etc.) and each agree that -- much like the Yankees in 2017 -- the Mets are going to need new, respected veterans in the clubhouse this season.

Technically, David Wright is still the team's Captain. However, his lack of presence on field will reduce his ability to lead in a way the team will need. Instead, as I wrote earlier this week, I expect Callaway to lean heavily on Jacob deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes, and Jay Bruce. He can now also lean on Frazier.

"No matter how much he might struggle at the plate, his love for the game is always there," it was explained to Sherman about Frazier, who played six seasons with Bruce in Cincinnati. "Todd's passion to figure out ways for his team to win never goes away."

In addition to his ability to inspire and lead, Frazier also fits in well with Alderson's approach to hitting, which tends to value people that draw walks and hit pitches in the strike zone for home runs (regardless of their batting average). Also, Frazier plays third and first base, which is helpful given the uncertainty surrounding Wright's health and Adrian Gonzalez's ability to return to form alongside expectations for Dominic Smith.

Frazier will be 32 years old on Opening Day. In addition to the above intangibles, he is a lock to drive in 70 runs, hit 15 doubles, and hit at least 25 home runs.

This level production would have been worth $10-12 million a season a few years ago, based on what insiders were saying about the market for over-30 infielders this past October.

That said, in October I said to expect Frazier to see multiple one- and two-year deals, which is exactly what ended up happening. Frazier reportedly had been seeking at least a three- or four-year deal. The fact that Alderson was able to acquire him for half price and half of the yearly commitment is pretty incredible.

Oct 13, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier (29) throws to first base during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In return for Frazier, Alderson saves money to be able to sign a pitcher, plus he gets a good eye, good glove, solid power, experience, a positive attitude, and a leader that will run toward the spotlight in a big market.

Why not Mike Moustakas?

Money, I guess... and Sandy Alderson not wanting to give up a draft pick and international pool money. Also, while I do believe the Mets had a clear path to sign Mike Moustakas, how long would it have continued to take to get a deal done? So, instead, Alderson locked in the two-year deal to bring in Frazier at half the 2018 money and probably less of a time commitment.

Why not Eduardo Nunez or Neil Walker?

Frazier is a better bet to play 140 games.

The buzz all winter has been that teams are concerned about Nunez's legs, specifically his knee. Similarly, while Walker looked healthy last season, he has a history of back issues and those tend to return in other ways.

Frazier, on the other hand, has played at least 140 games during each of his previous five seasons. The same can be said for Jay Bruce, by the way.

So, if you think about this from the perspective of pain and consistency (which was the big issue in Queens last summer), having Frazier and Bruce will allow the Mets to run out the same two power hitters for 140 games. That's huge, especially when you consider question marks surrounding Yoenis Cespedes and Michael Conforto.

Walker or Nunez could have meant keeping Asdrubal Cabrera at third base, where he's less hurtful with his glove. However, the NY Post recently reported that Cabrera didn't feel comfortable playing third and, instead, wanted to be at second base this coming season. I'm pretty sure Alderson and his staff feel the other way.

For what it's worth, now that Frazier and the Mets are out of the market, I predict Nunez goes back to the Red Sox or Braves, Walker ends up on a one-year deal with the Yankees, and Moustakas returns to Kansas City, where he won't be able to have draft pick and pool money compensation tied to him next winter.

At the end of the day, though, maybe they concluded -- for the money -- it's better to have four guys on the infield that are happy where they're playing, trusting in one another other and working as a unit than it is to build an infield based solely on fielding statistics from a year ago...

What happens next?

I recently talked to three rival talent evaluators about Cobb and Lynn and all three said they would prefer Cobb in a rotation with Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.

That said, MLB insiders expect one of them will be forced to take a two- or three-year deal and less than $15 million per season. In that scenario, at that level commitment, the Mets would be fine either way...

My hunch is these two will hold out longer than Alderson is willing to wait (and compete). There is an eager group of teams looking at Cobb and Lynn, such as the Brewers, Yankees, Nationals, and others, and they're all waiting on Yu Darvish and Jake Arietta to make a decision on where they plan to play in 2018. Meanwhile, pitchers and catchers are required to begin workouts next Tuesday.

As a result, I get the feeling Alderson will jump the market and sign Vargas to a one-year deal and let the rest of the league wait around for Cobb and Lynn. It's possible Alderson can bait Cobb or Lynn by overpaying a bit, but that has never been his style. In fact, his style is quite the opposite.

In addition to Vargas or Cobb or Lynn, I also expect the Mets to bring in two or three veteran pitchers willing to accept minor league deals and invitations to spring training.

For instance, if free-agent pitcher Ubaldo Jiménez is forced to sign a minor-league deal, which is looking likely, I hear he's intrigued about reuniting with Mickey Callaway and joining the Mets. FanGraphs.com projects 1.6 WAR for Jiminez, who can pitch in relief or be a starting pitcher, which would make him a terrific low-risk, high-reward get in the days before pitchers and catchers...

Dave Eiland wants Noah Syndergaard to own the inside part of the plate

Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard joins Gary Apple to discuss his offseason preparation after his injury-shortened season in 2017.

Noah Syndergaard is impressed by the passion of new pitching coach Dave Eiland, specifically how he emphasizes owning the inside part of the plate.

"One of my attributes I use in pitching is being able to establish the inside part of the plate," Syndergaard said Tuesday night on Mets Hot Stove on SNY. "That's something he advocates quite a bit. Just listening to him talk about throwing inside kind of just fires him up, which fires me up on the inside as well."

Pics from PSL: Amaro's OF drill with Lagares, Conforto and Cespedes

Juan Lagares looks older and heavier, yet stronger and somehow quicker that I remember him being during previous spring trainings. The same can be said for Yoenis Cespedes, who at first glance doesn't appear in great shape, but is without question moving better and significantly more agile.

This was on display today during a drill run on the main field by Ruben Amaro Jr., whom the Mets hired over the winter to work with the team's outfielders and coach first base.

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Mets Sights and Sounds from PSL: Wednesday, Feb. 21

3:00PM

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Sights and Sounds: Syndergaard00:01:01

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Wednesday's workout at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Wednesday's workout at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

The Mets will wear the caps of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school baseball team during their Grapefruit League opener on Friday at First Data Field, the team announced.

Players and coaches will then sign the caps to be auctioned in support of those affected by the mass shooting at the school in Parkland, Florida last week that left 17 people (14 students and three faculty members) dead.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced on Tuesday that all teams would wear Marjory Stoneman Douglas caps prior to their Spring Training openers, and that teams would also have the option to wear the caps in-game.

Callaway discusses Lagares at leadoff, Smith, and more

12:20PM

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Feb., 2018: Mickey Callaway glares back at a bullpen session at FirstData Field (Matthew Cerrone, SNY)

After announcing the pitching schedule for the first three Grapefruit League games, Mets manager Mickey Callaway discussed the shape Dominic Smith is in, why Juan Lagares will lead off a lot during Spring Training games, and more while speaking on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie.

"Lagares is going through some swing changes, so you might see him leading off a lot in Spring Training," Callaway said. "Just to make sure he gets as many at-bats as possible."

A report had said Mets planned to start season with Wheeler in the bullpen

12:05PM

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Is Wheeler a starting pitcher?00:03:38

Mets manager Mickey Callaway believes that Zack Wheeler is a starting pitcher, and the panel debates whether they agree with the skipper.

In the wake of a NY Daily News report that the Mets planned to open the season with RHP Zack Wheeler in the bullpen, manager Mickey Callaway said Wednesday that Wheeler is "definitely a starting pitcher."

"For us to be the best possible team we can be, we have to have him be a starter," Callaway added. "And he's gonna go out there and do everything he can to win this competition that we have going on."

Wheeler will start the Mets' Grapefruit League opener on Friday.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Wheeler has spent the better part of three years working his way back from Tommy John surgery, so his frustration last week was somewhat understandable -- even though the optics were bad. And regardless of what Callaway said on Wednesday, Wheeler is simply the most logical choice to move to the bullpen...

Pics and Observations from PSL: Get used to Adrian Gonzalez at first base

Adrian Gonzalez is the boss of the infield -- there is no getting around it. Dominic Smith has been nowhere to be found on field around first base this week during infield drills.

Instead, Monday it was just Gonzalez and Tuesday it was Gonzalez and Wilmer Flores.

Smith handled first base, but both days it was with the minor league players invited to camp...

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Alderson 'very happy' with way offseason turned out

By Danny Abriano | 11:40AM

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Alderson on free-agent market00:04:33

General manager Sandy Alderson joins the show to discuss the approach to the offseason and how the slow free-agent market helped the Mets.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson told SNY on Tuesday that he's "very happy" with the way the team's offseason turned out.

"I think that we benefited from the slow market," Alderson said. "It allowed us to make a deal, absorb it, think about it, move on to the next thing. And it gave us plenty of time to get through six or seven acquisitions."

Pics from PSL: Wright on field with Todd Frazier, Wilmer Flores

It was nice to see David Wright on field stretching with his teammates Tuesday, but he's clearly pushing himself just to be out there.

He did some stretches, but avoided others. In one instance, it looked like he needed to create leverage on a teammates shoulder to push himself up after doing squats. This is all to be expected, but an indicator of where he's at in his rehab.

That said, right now, he's a pair of sunglasses and a one fungo bat away from looking more like a coach than a player...

9:55AM

VP and Special Assistant to the Commissioner Billy Bean joins Baseball Night in New York to discuss some hot topics in the Major Leagues.

Former MLB player Billy Bean, who now works as the league's Ambassador for Inclusion, joined BNNY on Wednesday night to talk about his role and experiences.

Bean, who is the only openly gay major league baseball player (current or former), also discussed his relationship with former-Met Daniel Murphy, who said a few years ago that he disagreed with Bean's lifestyle -- shortly after Mets GM Sandy Alderson had invited Bean to Mets camp.

"We all know conflict is more interesting than harmony and acceptance, and I think the person that asked Daniel that question knew the type of person he is -- the type of family man, what his value system is," Bean said about Murphy's comments at the time, adding that he and Murphy have maintained a dialogue.

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Dominic Smith says he will have more power this season

9:50AM

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New York Mets pinch hitter Dominic Smith (22) is congratulated by left fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) after hitting a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports)

Mets 1B Dominic Smith is confident that his new, slimmed-down frame could help him hit more home runs this season.

"I know I have more power than I had last year," Smith said, per the New York Post. "I worked on my swing, too, so I actually improved my mechanics and that is going to help me elevate the ball easier."

Smith lost roughly 30 pounds during the off-season following his first stint in the major leagues. The 22-year-old hit just .198 but had nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 49 big-league games last season.

For Todd Frazier, being a Met is a family affair

Family is everything, and for Mets 3B Todd Frazier, baseball what his family is all about.

Todd's father, Charlie, was present to watch his son practice with the Mets on Tuesday as he was staying at his vacation home. The home is shared with two other families that grew up playing Little League ball with Todd, which is why it is fitting he now plays for the Mets.

Signing a two-year deal to stay around his Toms River, NJ hometown, and conveniently having a vacation home just minutes from the Mets' complex in Port St. Lucie makes this new journey for Todd feel right.

"Longer-term, the Mets do have some possible impact talent coming, largely via the international market," writes MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo. "Top prospect Andres Gimenez is a future Top 100 candidate as he matures, even if he has to slide over to second in deference to (Amed) Rosario."

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Mets Sights and Sounds from PSL: Tuesday, Feb. 20

Feb 20 | 3:55PM

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Sights and Sounds: Tuesday00:01:00

SNY.tv delivers the sights and sounds of Tuesday's Mets workout in Port St. Lucie, with up close looks at Wheeler, Ramos, Reyes and more.

SNY.tv delivers the sights and sounds of Tuesday's Mets workout in Port St. Lucie, with up close looks at Zack Wheeler, AJ Ramos, Jose Reyes and more.

P.J. Conlon could be an option as second lefty in Mets' bullpen

Mets minor league LHP P.J. Conlon, who is transitioning to the bullpen full-time, could be an option as a second left-hander to complement Jerry Blevins.

Conlon, 24, had a 3.38 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 108 strikeouts in 136 innings (22 starts, six relief appearances) for Double-A Binghamton last season. That included a 2.53 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 36 strikeouts in 42.2 innings against lefties, who he has been working on refining his changeup against.

"It's kind of been my pitch for the last two seasons," Conlon recently told the AP. "When I started to come out of the `pen last year, I made it a goal of mine to start throwing it against lefties more."

Pics from PSL: Terry Collins watches from above at Mets camp

Terry Collins spent part of Tuesday afternoon perched up high with Sandy Alderson and John Ricco in the organization's viewing tower, which is located in the middle of the complex's training fields.

First off, Collins looks fantastic. He looked 80 after the last game of last season. He's 68, but now looks at most like he's 60. It's interesting what a peaceful winter home with family not worrying about the roster and lineup will do for a man...

Obviously, he isn't and shouldn't be down on field. This is Mickey Callaway's first camp and no new manager needs his immediate predecessor kibitzing with players from the previous season. Collins is a stand-up, old-school guy and I'm sure he knows he should be exactly where he was today, which is up high, watching over, available for input when needed...

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SEE IT: AJ Ramos crashes Michael Conforto's presser

Feb 20 | 2:15PM

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Mets Hot Stove: A.J. Ramos00:01:49

A.J. Ramos prepares for his career after baseball as he takes the opportunity to try his hand at being a member of the media for a day.

AJ Ramos puts on an SNY shirt to crash a Michael Conforto presser, and asks some interesting questions.

Michael Conforto is hitting off tee, says he's ahead of schedule

Mets outfielder Michael Conforto updates the media on how his rehab has been progressing so far this year.

Mets OF Michael Conforto recently began hitting off a tee and said he's "actually ahead of schedule" as he returns from shoulder surgery.

Conforto said he was cleared by doctors at the end of January to start a swinging progression, and that his return could be earlier or later than the May 1 date that was projected by GM Sandy Alderson during the offseason.

"Timetable is fluid," Conforto said on Tuesday in Port St. Lucie. "As of right now, I'm swinging, I'm hitting off the tee. So that's good. I've been waiting forever to be able to do that, and it feels great. Really makes you understand how much you love it."

Mets have 12/1 odds to reach World Series

Feb 20 | 11:50AM

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Apr 5, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; General view as the sun sets over Citi Field during the second inning between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Mets have 12/1 odds to win the National League pennant, according to Bovada Sportsbook in Las Vegas.

The Dodgers have the best odds, at 9/4, followed by the Nationals (7/2), Cubs (15/4), Cardinals (9/1), Giants (10/1), and Diamondbacks -- who have the same 12/1 odds as the Mets.

As far as the rest of the Mets' NL East competitors, the Phillies have 50/1 odds, the Braves are at 75/1, and the Marlins are at 250/1 -- the worst odds in baseball.

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Alderson discusses future, cites Ricco as potential successor

Feb 20 | 10:15AM

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Alderson reveals future plans00:03:55

Sandy Alderson talks about why he took the Mets' general manager job and what his plans are for the future.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson, who is in his eighth year with the club, discussed his future plans and potential successor with SNY contributor Andy Martino. Regarding how much longer he wants to hold the position of GM, Alderson said it's something he thinks about "from time to time."

"Throughout my career, I've never really focused on the next thing," he said. "I've always kind of said to myself -- I tell people this, too -- focus on the job you have right now because it's the most important job you'll ever have."

Matthew Cerrone (Twitter | Instagram | About): If the Mets are winning and in a good spot when Alderson retires, Ricco will almost certainly get the job. He's qualified, perfect for being a modern day GM, and he's earned the gig. If the Mets are struggling and thinking they may be due for another rebuild, I'm not sure how ownership will handle the transition. It could certainly be entrusted to John, but it would also be understandable (given his connection to Alderson, Omar Minaya, and Jim Duquette) that the Wilpons would want a new perspective and voice when carving a new path...

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Cespedes hoping yoga can keep his body durable this season

He also added more running and less heavy weights to offseason routine

Feb 20 | 9:20AM

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Cespedes talks MVP goal00:02:04

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes meets the media in Port St. Lucie, and talks about his goal of an MVP season in 2018.

Mets LF Yoenis Cespedes comes into the new season hoping that he can stay healthy after a tumultous season last year. Plagued by injuries, Cespedes saw only 81 of the 162 games last season. The Mets rely on his power bat in the lineup, and just when they though he would stay on the field for a long stretch, he was back on the IR.

This offseason, he decided to shake up his normal training regimen, and focus on durability. Running more and even yoga has allowed him to become more flexible, which he hopes will result in staying loose all season.

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | You just can't help but smile when you hear this, right? It brings a smile to my face for a couple of reasons. Yes, of course because the thought of Yoenis Cespedes in tree pose or downward facing dog is a long way off from the image of Cespedes we usually have. But also because it shows that he is trying to be more proactive about his health...

Pics, Observations from PSL: Why does Tebow have big-league potential?

Mets GM Sandy Alderson talks to SNY's Andy Martino about why he thinks Tim Tebow has the potential to play in the Major Leagues.

In 11 years experiencing Mets spring training, I have never seen dozens of human beings react to another person the way people reacted to Tim Tebow on Sunday. And, though I don't believe he'll ever see a pitch in the Major Leagues, I like that he's in big-league camp because I think just as much can be gained from his personality, positivity, and passion as can be gained from him as a player.

It's weird how much of an afterthought the team's starting pitchers have become, even though we all say over and over again that they are the key to the season.

In previous spring trainings, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz would have drawn significant attention from Mets fans and photographers in camp had they been throwing together. However, their interaction and work together Monday went mostly unnoticed.

It's nice that it's pure baseball. No fanfare. Just business as usual for these guys. If I had to bet, I think they like it this way, too.

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Mets Sights and Sounds from PSL: Monday, Feb. 19

Feb 19 | 5:13PM

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Sights and Sounds: Monday00:00:57

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Monday's workout at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Monday's workout at Mets spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

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Pics from PSL: Todd Frazier, infield practice, Reyes at 2B, Disarcina

Todd Frazier is apparently always Todd Frazier. By that, I mean, he's always acting as advertised, which was a veteran player that is happy, smiling, cheering guys on, helping people out, taking pictures with fans, and chatting up coaches... and he was doing this even on his first full day in camp.

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MLB cuts mound visits to six per game in new pace-of-play initiatives

Feb 19 | 2:56PM

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MLB's new pace of play rules00:02:23

The Baseball Night in New York crew reacts to MLB's rule changes for 2018, which aim to increase the pace of play.

Major League Baseball continues to implement new rules to increase the pace-of-play, so the game can move at a more steady pace. While the pitch clock and batter having to keep one foot in the batter's box have aided in speeding the game up, the MLB has now issued a mandate limiting the amount of mound visits for each team.

Mound visits will be capped at six per game. The definition of a mound visit was specified by the MLB in an official announcement.

"A manager or coach trip to the mound to meet with the pitcher shall constitute a visit," the statement read. "A player leaving his position to confer with the pitching, inlcuding a pitcher leaving the mound to confer with another player, shall also constitute a mound visit, regardless of where the visit occurs or the length of the visit..."

Callaway addresses Mets' expectations on first full-squad day

Steve Gelbs and Anthony DiComo report from Mets Spring Training, where Mickey Callaway discussed his expectations for the 2018 season.

Mickey Callaway addressed his team before the first full-squad practice at Port St. Lucie on Monday, and the team's expectations for the season were the main takeaways.

Every team has aspirations to make the postseason and World Series when the new year begins. And though that is an obvious goal, Callaway wants the team to focus on getting better each day, and setting their own expectations.

Vargas signing heats up competition for back-end starters

Feb 19 | 10:45AM

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(Jay Biggerstaff)

The signing of veteran lefty Jason Vargas prompted GM Sandy Alderson to say the team is "pretty much where we want to be." But the signing has left some on the Mets' pitching staff wondering where they stand within the rotation.

The Mets have always been looking for another starter this offseason, and Vargas doesn't only fill that void, but he brings with him veteran knowledge and leadership to a young talented group of pitchers in the starting rotation.

"Not only do we have another guy that can go out there and pitch effectively, we've deepened our team," manager Mickey Callaway noted. "We've added to our depth and probably strengthened our bullpen in a role. He brings a lot not just to the dynamic of our team, but team leadership."

Alderson: Mets are 'pretty much where we want to be' after Vargas signing

Feb 18 | 7:51PM

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New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson speaks during a press conference at CitiField in New York, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, with Yoenis Cespedes after Cespedes signed a $75 million three-year contract with the team. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens/AP)

Mets GM Sandy Alderson said the team likely won't make another move in free agency after New York signed LHP Jason Vargas on Friday.

"With Jason's signing," Alderson said on Sunday, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, "we're pretty much where we want to be. … I would be surprised, if not shocked, if somebody else walks into this clubhouse."

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Mets Sights and Sounds from PSL: Sunday, Feb. 18

Feb 18 | 4:38PM

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Sights and Sounds: Sunday00:01:02

SNY.tv has the sights and sounds of Sunday's Mets workout in Port St. Lucie, with Syndergaard, Matz and more throwing live BP sessions.

SNY.tv captures the sights and sounds of Sunday's workout at Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

Pics and Observations from PSL: Conforto, Callaway, Wright and deGrom

Feb. 17, 2018: General photo from grass of Field 7 at FirstData Field in St. Lucie (Matthew Cerrone, SNY)

It was great to see Michael Conforto on the field, throwing, catching, laughing and again looking like a baseball player. In general, he appears to be less strong, but that is to be expected given the intense surgery he had on his shoulder as well as the extensive rehab that followed.

That said, he's moving fine. He did all stretches with teammates before long tossing from the foul line to center field and had no issues catching the baseball. He didn't hit, of course, but that will come...